For 40 years, Sgt. John Bennett has kept watch over California Institution for Men

Sgt. John Bennett, center, was honored for serving CIM for 40 years. He started in 1977 as a correctional officer and promoted to sergeant in 1987. Warden Dean Borders, left, and Chief Deputy Warden David Holbrook presented Sgt. Bennett with special recognition.

By Lt. Tom Lopez, AA/PIOCalifornia Institution for Men

In 1977, movie audiences were watching “Star Wars” and “Smokey and the Bandit.” Meanwhile, John A. Bennett was embarking on a correctional career that would span 40 years and counting.

In celebration of his long career, Inside CDCR spoke with Correctional Sgt. Bennett and he shared his memories of how the California Institution for Men (CIM) has transformed over all those years.

Sgt. John Bennett began his career at CIM in 1977. He still works at the institution and said he has no solid plans for retirement.

He started his career with the department on Aug. 28, 1977, at CIM in Chino. He reported to CIM for two weeks as a Permanent Intermittent Employee (PIE) and was off to the Criminal Justice Training Center located in Modesto where he trained for two weeks with Marines, Youth Authority as well as County Sheriffs.

When he returned from the Academy, he worked several positions as a Correctional Officer including housing unit and recreational yard positions. He said his favorite position was on the field crop crew. Back then, in the late 1970s and early 1980s, CIM didn’t have walls.

“I provided various jobs on horseback,” Sgt. Bennett said. “I would provide perimeter checks on horseback and repair outer fences, which basically kept all the animals on grounds. The job was great (because) it was basically like being a cowboy for the day. I would report to work and saddle up one of two horses at CIM, Babe or Keno, and provide security and maintenance on the farm.”

Sgt. Bennett has seen many changes in the training over the course of five decades.

“In the 1980s, I got involved with the range as a Range Master Instructor and was part of the Special Emergency Response Team (SERT),” he said. “There wasn’t a departmental school back then, so we were trained and certified through the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI).”

After his early years as a correctional officer, he was promoted.

“I promoted to sergeant on the (10-year anniversary) date I came into the department – Aug. 28, 1987. One of my best moments as a supervisor can be summed up in two parts,” he recalls. “In 2004, there was a riot on the Reception Center East Facility (RC-East). I observed one inmate in pursuit of another inmate with an inmate-manufactured stabbing instrument. I immediately intervened and utilized my Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) pepper spray to quell this incident. I received the department’s Silver Star for my actions at the Medal of Valor Ceremony. The other best moment as a supervisor was pinning my son’s badge on him in 2005. I went to Galt in uniform and was treated very well by various instructors and dignitaries. I was in uniform and they could clearly see I had almost 30 years in the department and I knew several people up there due to my time in the department.”

Sgt. Bennett has seen not only changes in procedures and technology, but staff as well.

“In my career, I have seen so many changes in this department. I have served with several great people and have served through approximately 15 different wardens. In the old days, we were a place for inmates to come serve their time, but a lot has changed since then. Now there are rehabilitative programs to send a more productive inmate out into society,” he said.

Much of what made CIM unique in the 1970s has also transformed.

“The institution’s layout has also changed. Where there were once dairy and farmland as far as the eye can see, there are now $700,000 homes,” he said.

How much longer does he plan on serving the department?

“I’m taking it day by day. My mind tells me I can work forever, but my body sometimes tells me different. The bottom line is this has been a very rewarding career for me. I enjoy the people I work with and my family is here. My son is now a Correctional Sergeant in the department. My daughter works in Personnel and the soon-to-be Mrs. John Bennett works as a Correctional Case Records Manager. I still feel very productive at work and enjoy my job as the Developmental and Disability Program Sergeant, but for now I will take it day by day and listen to my body.”

54 Comments

Congratulations Johnny,i know you have alot of fond memories here at CIM! Whats’s next a movie,maybe? You’re a great resource of past history here at CIM! I have seen alot in my 30 year career,it goes by fast. Its been a pleasure to work with you and your Family. We’ve seen the department go through many changes,for example, when we started we had zero equipment, no oc spray,baton,handcuffs and no vest. These new people could’nt imagine how much we have progressed in the Dept. many changes good and some not so good! I still remember the cattle and the Dairy farm! Be safe and see you at the cornfeed!

Sergeant Bennett I can’t begin to tell you how very lucky I’ve been to have worked with you thru out the years. You my friend are above and beyond a true legend and wealth of knowledge to all of us rookie Sergeants …

A really great person. I’ve known Johnny for about 28 years and he has so many stories of CIM history. You just have to pry it from him! He said “Back in the day” they would rent rooms in the Administration building on the third floor, they shared the Jack ‘n Jill bathrooms. Congratulations!

My hat is off to you Sir. 40 years and counting in a negative environment can and does get to many people after just a few years working behind the gates. Working CDCR is most definitely NOT for the faint of heart and you sound like you make the negative environment in your general area a better, more wanted place to be. There are few genuine people that want to see others succeed in this environment. I am impressed by you and your willingness to suit up, show up, and participate everyday that you are here. Your example will be sorely miss when you finally decide to leave the gates behind you. You legacy will be remembered for many years to come.
Good luck to you and here is to more memorable years

Number 1 Sergeant at CIM and Number 1 Sergeant in the State that about says it all.
Congratulations it been a Pleasure working with you and still working with you my Brother. May all the Best always come your way!

I have known Sgt. Bennet for many, many years. Bennett is the same today, that he was the very first day that I met him. He is such a great person and such a great Sgt. It was such an honor to watch as all that came to celebrate with Bennet at his 40th Anniversary Luncheon.

Congratulations John. Wow, 40 years. Never thought that when you were a young officer working for me on 1st watch, that I’d be writing this 40 years later. Thanks for your dedication and service to our department.

Congratulations, Sgt. John Bennett, (one of my first cousins) and first born of my loving uncle John Allen Bennett, whom has passed on. I know that your dad and mom are as proud of you as we are,, back here in Ky and Ohio. I knew the Bennett families were great people, and this proves it. Reliable, trustworthy, dependable and loved by many. God Bless you for such dedication. Keep in touch, love ya all.

Always remember your evil smile! Great time serving under you. Carry on my friend you are a very special man and a future husband to such a loving and carrying woman….our ANNIE! God bless you and yours my friend.

I thought 30 yrs was a lot, but to hear you survived 40 yrs is amazing. I have been in the Department almost 30 yrs and I have also seen a lot of changes. If you are happy, love your job, and in good health that is the main thing.

What a wonderful story. I only have a little over half of your time in with 22 years but I loved hearing your tales, especially your horseback jobs. One of my greatest joys was also pinning the badge on my son, who is now a Sgt. at Corcoran. Congratulations on your upcoming marriage and good luck in the future, whichever way you decide to go.

Thank you for sharing those meaningful experiences with us all Sergeant Bennett. CIM is blessed to have a person of your caliber and commitment here. I congratulate you on your accomplishments thus far and your upcoming marriage.